When setting up a home studio, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is a high-quality microphone for recording vocals. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a professional musician, or a content creator, capturing clear and professional-sounding vocals is crucial for your work to stand out. The right microphone can elevate your vocal recordings, turning a simple track into a polished masterpiece. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one.
From budget-friendly to high-end models, this guide will walk you through the 8 best microphones for recording vocals, showcasing models that excel in quality, clarity, and versatility. Whether you’re recording at home or in a professional studio, these microphones cater to various needs and vocal styles, ensuring your recordings are always top-notch.
If your budget is tight, check out the best studio microphones under $300 without sacrificing quality.
Top 8 Best Microphones For Recording Vocals: Reviews
1. SHURE SM7B: Best Dynamic Microphone for Vocals
The Shure SM7B is arguably the most popular and top-rated dynamic microphone for vocals, favored by both professionals and beginners. This cardioid dynamic mic provides a smooth, flat, and wide-range frequency response that is perfect for vocal recordings, from rap to rock vocals. Despite being relatively affordable, it rivals condenser microphones that cost three times more.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Includes: Foam windscreen, close-talk windscreen, and a locking yoke mount
The SM7B has gained iconic status after being used by artists like Michael Jackson (for his legendary Thriller album), and it continues to be a staple in many recording studios. It captures a rich, natural sound, offering a slight boost in low and mid-range frequencies to enhance vocal warmth. The mic’s cardioid polar pattern rejects unwanted background noise, making it ideal for home studios and untreated rooms.
- Pros: Affordable, versatile, durable, great for male vocals and rap
- Cons: Requires a preamp with gain boost
Conclusion: When the king of pop Michael Jackson used this microphone to record the Thriller EP, there is no room to doubt its quality. The Shure SM7B offers superb value for its price and is one of the most reliable microphones for vocals. It’s especially recommended for male vocal recording and genres like hip-hop, rock, and pop. It’s an excellent choice for beginner and professional studios alike.
Musicians who use it: Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger, Skrillex
2. NEUMANN TLM-102: Best Condenser Mic for Studio Vocals
Neumann is a name synonymous with premium microphones, and the TLM 102 is no exception. A more affordable alternative to the renowned U87, the TLM 102 offers the quality and precision expected from Neumann at a much lower price point.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 144 dBIncludes: Shock mount (optional)
This condenser microphone features a cardioid polar pattern and a large diaphragm, making it highly sensitive to vocal nuances. The TLM 102 is designed to capture vocals with clarity and presence, emphasizing the high frequencies slightly above 6 kHz to create bright and detailed vocal recordings. It’s perfect for female vocals and can handle loud sound sources like drums and brass instruments thanks to its 144 dB sound pressure level (SPL) capability.
- Pros: High-quality, compact design, great for vocals and instruments
- Cons: No low-frequency roll-off (compared to higher-end models)
Conclusion: The Neumann TLM 102 is a top-notch studio microphone that’s perfect for vocals and can be used in a variety of recording applications. If you’re looking to upgrade your vocal recordings, this microphone will definitely serve your needs without breaking the bank.
3. AUDIO TECHNICA AT4050: Best Multi-Pattern Condenser Mic for Vocals
The Audio-Technica AT4050 is a versatile and reliable large-diaphragm condenser microphone that provides multiple polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This feature makes it perfect for those who need a single mic to handle different recording situations, from vocals to acoustic guitars and even drums.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8)
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 138 dB
- Includes: Shock mount (AT8449)
With its low self-noise, the AT4050 is highly praised for its transparent highs, balanced mids, and rich lows. It can handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs) greater than 130 dB, making it suitable for loud sources while preserving sound quality. The 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad offer additional flexibility for recording in various environments.
- Pros: Versatile, great sound quality, durable, multiple polar patterns
- Cons: Slightly expensive
Conclusion: The Audio-Technica AT4050 is one of the most versatile microphones for any home studio. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or even live performances, it excels at capturing clear and natural sound. A great long-term investment for any serious music producer.
If you like this mic, but you don’t care for multi-patterns, check the Audio Technica AT4040 cardioid microphone with the same characteristics and sound.
Musicians that like it: Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Linkin Park, Joe Perry, Rich Redmond
4. CAD Audio Equitek E300S: Best Budget Versatile Condenser Mic for Vocals
CAD Audio may not be as well-known as brands like Neumann or Shure, but their Equitek E300S is a high-performance, large-diaphragm condenser microphone with multiple polar patterns. This mic stands out with its smooth sound and accurate reproduction of vocals, delivering a balance of transparent lows, airy mids, and crisp highs.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8)
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 140 dB
- Includes: Shock mount, hard-shell carrying case
The E300S features a regulated bypass voltage generator, ensuring precise output sensitivity. It’s also equipped with an attenuator, high-pass filter, and power switch, giving you flexibility in various recording situations. Whether you’re recording vocals, guitar, or piano, this microphone does it all at a price that won’t break the bank.
- Pros: Affordable, versatile, accurate, high SPL tolerance
- Cons: Not as well-known as other premium brands
Conclusion: The CAD Audio Equitek E300S delivers fantastic vocal recording performance at a fraction of the price of other premium microphones. Its versatility and range make it a solid choice for both beginners and professionals who need high-quality recordings.
5. AKG PRO AUDIO C414 XLS: Best Premium Multi-Pattern Condenser Mic for Vocals
The AKG C414 XLS is a legendary microphone known for its incredible versatility and sound quality. Offering nine different polar patterns, including cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional, this microphone can adapt to nearly any recording scenario. Whether you’re capturing vocals, acoustic guitars, or full drum kits, the C414 XLS can handle it all.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (9 options)
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 158 dB
- Includes: Carrying case, pop filter, windscreen, shock mount
The C414 XLS features a low-frequency roll-off filter and attenuation pads to ensure accurate recordings at any SPL. The microphone also has a dynamic range of 158 dB, making it ideal for handling extremely loud sound sources. This mic has been used by countless legends like Kurt Cobain and continues to be a top choice for professional studios worldwide.
- Pros: Versatile, high-quality, durable, great for all sound sources
- Cons: Expensive
Conclusion: The AKG C414 XLS is a world-class microphone that delivers superior sound quality for vocals and beyond. If you’re a professional or serious hobbyist looking for a high-end microphone with incredible versatility, this should be on your radar.
Musicians that like it: Kurt Cobain, Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Ken Andrews, Tycho
6. Rode NTK Premium: Best Tube Mic for Vocals
The Rode NTK Premium is a cardioid condenser microphone that offers a warm, detailed sound, ideal for those seeking the classic tube warmth. Designed and made in Australia, it comes with a 10-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Microphone Type: Condenser (Tube)
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 157 dB
- Includes: Shock mount
The NTK features a 6922 triode valve that gives it an audiophile-grade sound with a wide dynamic range and low noise, making it a favorite for acoustic instruments and vocal recordings.
Conclusion: The Rode NTK Premium is a great investment for vocalists and producers seeking rich, warm, and detailed recordings. Its solid construction and excellent sound quality make it a top contender in the tube microphone category.
7. AVANTONE AUDIO CV-12: Best Vintage Mic for Vocals Under $500
The Avantone Audio CV-12 is a multi-pattern tube condenser microphone that brings a vintage aesthetic and performance. Its cabernet red-wine finish gives it a classic, high-end look, reminiscent of Sony C800G and AKG C12 but at a much more affordable price.
- Microphone Type: Condenser (Tube)
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, and more)
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Includes: Shock mount, power supply, 7-pin connector cable, wooden carrying case
The CV-12 offers nine polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, giving you flexibility when recording vocals or instruments. It captures the warmth and richness expected from a tube mic and is perfect for female vocals and piano recordings.
Key Features:
- Pros: Vintage look, warm sound, versatile polar patterns
- Cons: Requires a power supply
Conclusion: The Avantone Audio CV-12 is the best budget option for a tube mic with vintage sound characteristics. It’s ideal for those looking to capture smooth, rich vocals with a warm tonal quality.
Musicians that like it: Taylor Swift, Grimes
Microphone type: | Condenser |
Polar pattern: | Multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 and six more in-between options) |
Diaphragm: | Large |
Value for money: | 8.5/10 |
8. AKG PRO AUDIO C214: Best Affordable Microphone for Lead Vocals
The AKG C214 is a more affordable alternative to the AKG C414. It offers a cardioid polar pattern and a large diaphragm, delivering a detailed sound that can capture lead vocals and solo instruments with accuracy. While it lacks the multiple patterns of the C414, it retains the same legendary AKG sound, making it perfect for vocal recordings in a home recording studio.
Key Features:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm: Large
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 143 dB
- Includes: Shock mount
- Pros: Affordable, durable, high-quality sound
- Cons: No multi-pattern options
Conclusion: The AKG C214 is perfect for recording lead vocals at a budget-friendly price while maintaining excellent sound quality. It’s an excellent option for any vocalist or home studio owner looking for premium-quality vocal recordings without breaking the bank.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Microphone for Recording Vocals
When choosing a microphone for recording vocals, it’s important to understand several factors that can impact the sound quality, usability, and suitability for your studio setup. Below are key features to consider before making your purchase:How much to spend on a good quality recording microphone?
1. Microphone Type: Condenser vs. Dynamic
The type of microphone you choose plays a major role in the sound quality of your recordings. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
- Condenser Microphones:
- Best for studio vocals due to their sensitivity and ability to capture subtle nuances.
- They require phantom power (provided by audio interfaces or mixing consoles).
- Ideal for clear, transparent, and detailed recordings of vocals and instruments.
- Examples: Neumann TLM-102, AKG C214.
- Dynamic Microphones:
- More durable and capable of handling higher sound pressure levels.
- Best suited for live performances, loud instruments, or broadcasting.
- Great for environments with lots of ambient noise, as they naturally reject it.
- Examples: Shure SM7B, Sennheiser MD421.
2. Polar Pattern: How the Mic Captures Sound
A microphone’s polar pattern determines how it picks up sound from different directions. There are several types of polar patterns, each suited to different recording situations:
- Cardioid:
- Most common for vocal recording. Captures sound primarily from the front, rejecting noise from the sides and back.
- Ideal for solo vocals and voice recording.
- Omnidirectional:
- Captures sound from all directions equally. Great for ambient recordings or capturing multiple sound sources in a room.
- Figure-8:
- Captures sound from the front and back, making it ideal for recording duets or instruments that require front and rear coverage.
- Multi-pattern:
- Allows you to switch between multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8), providing flexibility for various recording situations.
- Example: Audio-Technica AT4050.
3. Frequency Response: Capturing the Full Range of Your Voice
A microphone’s frequency response refers to the range of frequencies it can accurately capture. For vocals, you want a microphone that can capture the full range of human speech and singing.
- Most vocal mics have a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is the full range of human hearing.
- Extended frequency response (above 6 kHz) helps enhance vocal presence, while a smooth low-end adds warmth to male voices.
4. Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Handling Loud Sound Sources
The SPL rating refers to how much sound pressure a microphone can handle before distortion occurs. If you’re recording loud sound sources (like drums or guitar amps), you’ll want a microphone with a higher SPL.
- High SPL microphones (e.g., AKG C414) are excellent for recording loud instruments or singers with powerful vocals.
- Lower SPL microphones (e.g., Neumann TLM-102) are perfect for controlled environments where you need precision without distortion.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Depending on your recording environment, you may want to consider the durability of the microphone. Here are some points to consider:
- Condenser microphones are more fragile due to their sensitive internal components, making them more suited to controlled environments like studios.
- Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are known for their rugged construction and can withstand the wear and tear of live performances.
6. Connectivity: XLR vs USB
- XLR microphones:
- Preferred in professional studios because they provide the highest sound quality and reliability.
- They require an audio interface or mixing console that provides phantom power and connects the mic to your computer.
- USB microphones:
- Convenient for home studios and beginners, as they plug directly into your computer without needing additional equipment.
- However, they may not offer the same level of sound quality as XLR microphones.
Recommendation: If you’re serious about vocal recording and plan to use your microphone for multiple purposes, an XLR microphone connected to a quality audio interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) will give you the best results.
7. Additional Features
- Shock Mounts: These help isolate the mic from vibrations and noise that can distort the recording. Many high-quality microphones, like the Neumann TLM-102, come with shock mounts.
- Pop Filters: Essential for vocal recordings, they help reduce plosive sounds (like the “P” and “B” sounds) that can cause distortion.
Find out more about pop filters and our best picks.
FAQs: Common Questions About Vocal Microphones
1. What is the best microphone for recording vocals at home?
The Shure SM7B is a great choice for home recording due to its affordability, versatility, and ability to reject unwanted room noise. It’s used by professionals and provides clear, natural sound for a variety of vocal types.
2. Should I buy a condenser or dynamic microphone for vocals?
- Condenser microphones are typically better for studio vocals as they provide more detail and sensitivity.
- Dynamic microphones are better for live performances or if you’re recording in a noisy environment.
3. What’s the difference between a cardioid and omnidirectional microphone?
- Cardioid microphones capture sound from the front while rejecting noise from the back and sides. Ideal for single vocal recordings.
- Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions, making them suitable for group vocals or ambient recordings.
4. Do I need an audio interface for a microphone?
If you’re using an XLR microphone, you will need an audio interface to connect the mic to your computer and supply phantom power to condenser mics. USB microphones don’t require an audio interface, as they can plug directly into your computer.
5. How do I set up my microphone for vocal recording?
- Step 1: Choose the right mic for your vocal needs.
- Step 2: Connect the mic to your audio interface (if applicable).
- Step 3: Set up a pop filter and shock mount to improve your recording.
- Step 4: Adjust gain on your interface to ensure optimal recording levels.
- Step 5: Start recording in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) using the best microphone technique.
6. How much should I spend on a vocal microphone?
You can find great microphones for under $300, but high-end mics can range from $500 to $1000. If you’re on a budget, look for options that offer great sound for a lower price, like the Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT4050.
7. What microphone is best for female vocals?
The Neumann TLM-102 is excellent for female vocals as it has a bright top end that enhances clarity and presence. It’s perfect for capturing detailed and natural-sounding female voices.
What microphone do professional singers use?
- Shure SM7B: Used by Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mick Jagger
- Rode NTK 1: Used by B. B. King and Rob Chapman
- Audio Technica AT4050: Used by Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Linkin Park, Joe Perry, and Rich Redmond
- AKG PRO AUDIO C414: Used by Kurt Cobain, Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), and Ken Andrews
- Avantone Audio CV-12: Used by Taylor Swift and Grimes
- Neumann TLM-102: Used by Timothé Nadim and Andy Othling
- CAD Audio E300S
What microphone does Billie Eilish use?
Billie Eilish is using the Audio Technica AT2020 and the Neumann TLM-103 condenser microphones for recording vocals. For live performances, she chooses the Telefunken M80 and the Shure SM58 dynamic mics.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a microphone for vocal recording, it’s crucial to understand the different types, polar patterns, and features that suit your recording style and environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, the 8 microphones listed above cover a wide range of needs, from affordable options like the Shure SM7B to the high-end Neumann TLM-102.
Consider your budget, the type of vocals you’re recording, and the other instruments in your setup when making your decision. Whatever your choice, these microphones will help elevate your vocal recordings to professional levels, capturing every detail and nuance of your voice with clarity and precision.
If you are a new producer or want some quick studio tricks, check our article with 20 sound recording and music production tips.
Great article on the best studio recording microphones! I agree with a lot of the things and the entries on the list in the post…
WELL DONE!! very informative..
Thank you Dave! All the best with your home recording studio.
Hi,
I’m Kim Lori, and come from Miami. Thanks for your awesome article share. This article is very much helpful. But still I have question on it should I ask here ?
Thanks
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Yes, feel free to share your questions here on comment section…